'Best of the Best': Meet Russia's Airborne Strike Forces

He touted these groups as flawless military units in terms of staffing and security, as well as the results of personnel training.

Serdyukov added that this status pertains to one regimental tactical group and one battalion tactical group within the Pskov air assault division, as well as several battalions and several company tactical groups and reconnaissance units.

Speaking to Sputnik, Russian military expert Viktor Litovkin said that the strike status is assigned to the most combat-effective military units.

"These are units which that have achieved high results in combat training, and which have reached a certain level of military skill, coherence and ability to fight in modern-day conditions," Litovkin said.

According to him, these strike units, which are equipped with the most advanced military equipment, are capable of carrying out the tasks assigned to them by the command within the shortest possible time frame.

"I lay emphasis on the word 'strike' precisely because they are, of course, the best of the best," Litovkin pointed out. 

He also stressed that the status of a strike group is assigned in line with an order issued by the Russian Defense Minister. 

Litovkin recalled that "once we had the guards units in the Soviet Army, a status that was given on the basis of World War II results."

"As for the Russian airborne strike forces, they will have to prove this honorable status annually. They should make themselves into an avatar of the modern army and navy of Russia. And they must regularly confirm their high military skills and mission," he concluded.

First formed before the Second World War, the troops undertook a spate of significant airborne operations and a number of smaller jumps during WWII. 

For many years after 1945 the troops was the largest airborne force in the world.

Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!